Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies (Professional)

The Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies (Professional) is designed for professionals with five to seven years of relevant work experience. The curriculum provides a comprehensive study of the theory and practice of foreign and national security policy and strategy, including both historical and contemporary perspectives. This program covers all of the elements of statecraft and how they must be integrated into national strategy.

Students in this program may be enrolled full-time (9 or more credit hours per semester) or part-time (less than 9 credit hours per semester), but must complete the degree in five calendar years or less. After successful completion of all coursework, each student will be required to pass a one-hour oral examination and a three-hour written comprehensive examination.

Admissions Criteria

The Admissions Committee evaluates each application for this degree with a focus on professional experience and leadership, ultimately assessing how your professional experiences have given you an extensive understanding of one of the elements of statecraft. This includes your individual and unique qualifications in the following:

Professional Background

The breadth and depth of your professional experience, your level of management responsibilities (e.g., strategy, operations, etc.), career progression and demonstrated leadership. The Professional MA applicant must have 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Integrated Intellectual Capabilities

Your potential to succeed academically as demonstrated through your academic record, letters of recommendation, professional experience, and understanding of intelligence, national security or international affairs at an integrated, strategic level.

The Admissions Committee seeks candidates who are considered high-potential leaders who have the desire to enhance the formulation and conduct of American national security policy.

FEATURED FACULTY

This course will analyze in depth the context in which this politico-religious ideology was born, how it evolved and the core texts that inform today's enemies of the United States. Students will assess how well the U.S. Government understands this new foe and whether its response to date has been adequate.